Sexual Relations Following a Hysterectomy

Healing

It will take some time to heal after your hysterectomy. Sexual relations can resume usually 6 weeks after surgery. Check with your surgeon to see when it is safe for you to resume sexual activity. Once you are healed, you might find that sex is much more comfortable without the pain or bleeding experienced before your operation.

Orgasms are reflexes and can be affected by many factors. The uterus and cervix play a role in these reflexes through muscle contractions. Once they are surgically removed, orgasms can still occur but may feel different. The vagina also plays a role in orgasms. If a vaginal hysterectomy is done, vaginal orgasms may be diminished. Clitoral orgasms might also be changed, and sometimes less intense. Sensation in the vaginal area might be affected by surgery and can impact arousal and desire.

If you are premenopausal and your ovaries are not removed, you will not have a hormonal disruption. If your ovaries are removed along with your uterus, you will go through surgically induced menopause. You will experience the same symptoms as a woman who is going through menopause. These can include vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, hot flashes, episodic urinary tract infections, urinary frequency and urgency, decreased libido, difficulty reaching orgasm, weight gain, sleep disturbances, and mood alterations. If you have difficulties with these types of symptoms, speak to your doctor. There are many treatments available to treat these issues.

Depending on your age when experiencing early induced menopause, side effects may seem manageable or overwhelming. Young women who planned for future pregnancies may feel deprived of their womanhood and grieve the loss of their ability to have children. Even women who are not planning pregnancies may resent the sudden onset of menopause. Desire for intimacy, arousal, and orgasm can all be affected.